Scottish homeowners embark on home improvement spree to increase family time

Almost half of Scottish homeowners are planning to start home improvement projects in the next six months, according to a new survey

Scottish homeowners are going on a spending spree as they aim to improve the quality of their living space, modernise them and increase time spent with their family.

A survey by window manufacturer Velux found that 49% of respondents plan to make home improvements in the next six months.

The majority of homeowners who plan to make improvements, 60% said they are doing so to update interior decoration or modernise their homes and 61% plan to start their projects before the end of September.

A significant minority, 12%, want to create extra space or improve existing space so they can spend more time together as a family. The survey shows that these people are prepared to spend big to make their dream happen, with a planned average spend of £15,589, almost triple the average spend of £5,354 for all those making home improvements in Scotland.

Architectural designer and TV presenter Charlie Luxton says: “More and more homeowners are choosing to make home improvements instead of moving to bigger and better spaces. This desire to extend and renovate rather than buy and sell is influenced by many factors such as cost and increased ability to personalise existing living space.

“For family households looking to renovate, this research shows that enjoying more time together as a family was an influencing factor when deciding to spend money on improvements.

Kitchens are the most popular area of the house to improve, with 44% planning work there, whilst 42% plan to improve their living space. 15% are planning either an extension or conservatory.

Grant Sneddon, product manager from VELUX adds: “Roof windows can bring in twice the amount of daylight to an extension as vertical windows of the same size, bringing the outside in when creating extra space is becoming more attractive to homeowners across Scotland.

“Through our new extensions campaign we aim to educate and inspire homeowners to consider the benefits of adding more daylight to their homes.”